Follow the Science Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 21, 2026
Bottom line
The "Follow the Science Act" aims to insulate NIH's scientific and funding processes from political influence by limiting political employees' roles and establishing strict criteria for grant cancellations.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to restrict the involvement of political employees in National Institutes of Health (NIH) activities, including employment and participation in grants and funding decisions. It also prohibits the cancellation or suspension of NIH grants or agreements without specific findings of financial mismanagement, research fraud, debarment, or malfeasance, and requires congressional notification for such actions.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill is essential to safeguard scientific integrity at the NIH, ensuring that critical health research and funding decisions are based solely on scientific merit rather than political considerations. They contend that restricting political employees' involvement and preventing arbitrary grant cancellations will protect the independence of scientific inquiry and maintain public trust in federal health agencies.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that the bill overly restricts executive branch oversight and accountability over federal agencies like NIH, potentially hindering the administration's ability to implement its policy agenda or address perceived inefficiencies. They might also contend that the definitions of "political employee" are too broad, potentially impacting legitimate administrative functions or necessary coordination between NIH and other federal entities.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its core provisions within a short timeframe.
Section 2
Definition of "Political Employee"
This section broadly defines "political employee" to include individuals in various high-level government positions, such as those on the Executive Schedule, Senior Executive Service noncareer appointments, Schedule C positions of a confidential or policy-determining character, Schedule G positions, and any other position excepted from competitive service due to its confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating nature. It also includes anyone acting on behalf of such individuals. This definition is crucial as it determines who is subject to the prohibitions in subsequent sections.
Supporters argue
Proponents would argue that a clear and comprehensive definition of "political employee" is necessary to prevent any circumvention of the bill's intent to insulate scientific activities from political influence. They might emphasize that the broad scope ensures all potential avenues for undue political interference are covered.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that the definition is overly broad and could inadvertently capture individuals whose roles are primarily administrative or advisory, rather than policy-determining, leading to unnecessary restrictions on legitimate inter-agency collaboration or oversight.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between ensuring comprehensive protection against political interference and avoiding overly broad restrictions that could impede legitimate governmental functions or administrative flexibility.
Section 3, amending Section 401 of the Public Health Service Act
Restriction on Political Employee Employment and Participation at NIH
This provision prohibits any "political employee" (as defined in Section 2) from being employed by the National Institutes of Health or participating in the implementation of general policies regarding NIH management and operations. Exceptions are made for the Director of NIH, the Director of the National Cancer Institute, and the Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. An additional exception allows political employees from other federal departments/agencies to participate if specifically required by the Public Health Service Act.
Section 4, amending Section 402 of the Public Health Service Act
Restriction on Political Employee Involvement in NIH Funding Decisions
This section mandates that the Secretary, acting through the Director of NIH, must ensure that no political employee participates in the solicitation, review, scoring, selection, or awarding of any grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, other transactions, or other funding arrangements made by NIH or the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). It also requires the NIH Director to report to Congress within 30 days on any such participation by political employees between January 20, 2021, and the date of enactment.
Section 5, amending Section 402 of the Public Health Service Act
Restrictions on Cancellation or Suspension of NIH Funding Agreements
This provision prohibits the Secretary, acting through the Director of NIH, from canceling, delaying, or suspending any covered agreement (grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other transactions) unless written findings of financial mismanagement, research fraud, debarment, or malfeasance are issued. Furthermore, Congress must be notified within 30 days of any such cancellation or suspension, including a copy of these findings. It also stipulates that covered agreements must be implemented according to their terms and conditions for their full specified period.